Sigl

Susan Sigl has worked as an accountant, a technology executive and most recently a venture capitalist. The co-founder of Seapoint Ventures plans to use all of those experiences in a new high-profile role as chief executive of the Washington Technology Industry Association, one of the state's largest technology organizations. We caught up with Sigl this morning to get her take on where the state's tech industry is heading and her hopes for the new job.

What attracted you to the job at the WTIA? "I am at a point in my career where giving back is ever more important to me. I have had a long and successful run in technology here in Washington and it is like the perfect intersection of where I am at in my career and my actual passions about what is going on in the state of Washington.... I am ready to give back, and I am ready to do it with a purpose."

On the expanding mission: "I see not only the mission of the WTIA as specifically to the tech industry. But, if that industry thrives here in the state, the trickle down effect just effects so many other industries. I just see it as this big platform that is all positive."

What are the most pressing issues facing the tech industry right now? "Governmental agencies are down in revenue and there is kind of a mad scramble on how to close budget gaps. And those choices that the legislature is going to make are definitely going to impact the economic development in the future here, not only what is going on presently. Really, what the overall riding objective is, is to have a strong voice legislatively that is pro economic development for the state of Washington and really helps us stay competitive with other states that are facing these same issues and doing other things to keep and attract other businesses."

Does the political aspect of the WTIA represent a new challenge for you? "My interests have always had a political flavor to them. I've just never gotten to play it all out because I have been working in the venture industry for the last 12 years.... I am not completely naive in terms of the political environment and the issues that we face. But, yes, it is going to be part of the challenge for me, and it is also one of the big reasons that I am excited about it."

On growing the WTIA membership: "Right now, about 10 percent of the tech industry .... are actually members of the WTIA. So, that's a lot of room to expand and to grow.... I think ultimately, I really see it as the sky is the limit here."

What in your mind makes the Seattle tech community unique? "We have the fundamentals in spades. We've got amazing entrepreneurs, and I think the area is just loaded with very brilliant people. We've got great universities and we have quality of life so we are able to attract and retain people as a lifestyle choice here."

What does the state need to improve upon? "Obviously public education is one of the big ones.... My sense would be -- and let me say if I can say this since I certainly don't want to alienate or offend anyone -- I think that there appears to be still a need for the people in Olympia who are actually setting policy to actually understand what it takes to keep a business community thriving in a state. And maybe some education too about how other states might be positioning themselves. Because I will tell you, the one thing I know already is that it is hugely competitive. If the U.S. is going to stay in a jobless recovery, states are doing everything they can now to develop economic long-term planning and to set policy that attracts new businesses to their state."

On the new "mission": "I am right now just drinking from a firehose, and I have lots to learn. But this is my mission. I really want to figure out how we continue to make this an ecosystem of just thriving tech businesses."

A CLOSER LOOK AT SUSAN SIGL

Age: 59

Hometown: Fort Walton Beach, Florida

Education: B.A. from the University of Washington in English Literature. MBA from the UW.

First Job: PricewaterhouseCoopers

Hobbies: Reading of philosopy.

Last book you read: "American Lion: Andrew Jackson in the White House"

On working in an entrepreneurial environment at a Houston oil & gas company early in her career: "I had my first introduction to true entrepreneurship, and was absolutely smitten. We had a major win and we sold the company after five years to a public oil & gas company. And, I was naive enough to think that is how the entrepreneurial thing would go all of the time. One win early on like that will keep you going for the next 20 years, right?"

On Seattle: "I am so grateful for what Seattle has given me. Sometimes I have to pinch myself in terms of my quality of education and my network and just all of it. I am incredibly grateful."